Solar energy may be stuck in the clouds on Capitol Hill, but it found an ally in Sacramento. This week, by passing AB 2466, the Legislature unblocked one obstacle hindering the city of San Jose, other local governments and school districts from getting into solar in a big way.

The bill will allow government to credit solar power produced at one site against its overall electricity consumption. So San Jose will be able to install solar panels at a parking garage to lower its bill at City Hall. This will create a nice incentive for San Jose to meet its goal of using alternative energy to meet all electrical demand in 15 years.

Democratic Assembly members John Laird of Santa Cruz and Jared Huffman of San Rafael sponsored the bill. Gov. Schwarzenegger must now sign it.